Plankton battles are disrupting food web

Noctiluca, a common plankton in Puget Sound, clumps together to form thick bands between Seattle and Bainbridge Island. In recent years, Noctiluca, which could have disrupting effects on the food web, has been showing up in great numbers earlier in the year. This photo was taken last June as part of the Department of Ecology’s Eyes Over Puget Sound program. Notice the ship passing through the plankton bands. (Photo by Christopher Krembs, Washington Department of Ecology)

Two major groups of plankton seem to be engaged in a battle of sorts, with the health of fish, birds and mammals at stake, according to experts who have been observing ongoing changes in Puget Sound’s water quality.